Activities of NMNS

Research

In the National Museum of Nature and Science, we conduct a continuous program of empirical research on the evolution of the earth and life and the development of science and technology from the perspectives of natural history and the history of science and technology. We make available the results of our researches, as well as the extensive collection of specimens and materials that support them, to future generations.
We also aim to return to society the fruits of our research, exhibiting it and undertaking educational activities that foster greater understanding of the earth’s environment and developments in science and technology, stimulating thought and discourse about future directions for humanity and the earth.

Research at the National Museum of Nature and Science
Consulting plant specimens in the herbarium

Consulting plant specimens
in the herbarium

Geological survey of continental flood basalt in Ethiopia

Geological survey of continental
flood basalt in Ethiopia
The National Museum of Nature and Science is a central and leading museum in natural history and the history of science and technology. Our competent researchers cover a wide range of specialized fields, ranging from zoology and botany through petrology, mineralogy, paleontology, anthropology, the history of science and technology, physics and chemistry. The Museum conducts research in partnership with a wide range of institutions.

Our research work falls into two broad categories: basic research and integrated research. Basic research consists of programs of continuous, empirical research. This research is guided by themes determined in each research group and department and based on the Museum’s collections. Integrated research is conducted with set deadlines and interdisciplinary themes, focusing on vital issues from the latest trends in research. Currently four research programs are in progress at the Museum.

Integrated research
  • The Natural History Research Network of Myanmar and the foundation of an International Research Center
  • Adaptive trends, evolution, and modeling of organisms to respond natural and artificial environments
  • A study of biota changes in urban environments over the past 150 years - Analysis of specimens collected mainly from the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo
  • Integrated research on extreme environments
Training the Next Generation
Graduate student working in Natural Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institute

Graduate student working
in Natural Museum of Natural History,
Smithsonian Institute
Fewer universities at present are capable of providing professional training for the next generation of researchers in taxonomy and other branches of natural history. This state of affairs makes the training of the next generation of specialist researchers all the more imperative. The National Museum of Nature and Science partners with universities and instructs students as an associated graduate school. In 2021, the Museum accepted graduate students from the University of Tokyo, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, the Kyushu University, Ibaraki University and University of Tsukuba.

In addition, the Museum is accepting postdoctoral researchers from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and is creating its own independent research-fellow system. Through measures such as these, the National Museum of Nature and Science is taking proactive steps to train the researchers of tomorrow.